Special Report: Tension escalates in Iraq

     BAGHDAD, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's monthly civilian death toll in January dropped to lowest levels since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, the authorities said on Sunday.

    According to figures compiled by Iraq's health, defense and interior ministries, a total of 189 people were killed, including 138 civilians, 24 policemen and 27 army soldiers, in violence across the country during the month of January.

    The month's death toll is lower than the toll of 316 in December.

    Also in January, about 303 people were wounded by violence, nearly half of more than 600 people in December. The numbers are the lowest in almost three years.

    The figures also showed that casualties have been steadily dropping since mid 2007.